Scripture (click link to read): Luke 4:1-13
Wonder … “Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”‘ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:12-13)
Take a look at this image:
In this image, concentric circles depicting the temptations that Jesus meets in the wilderness radiate outward. A crown and swords echo the power of kings that the devil offers to Jesus. Steeples point outward between the swords.
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus quotes scripture in verse 12 of this Luke passage. And yet, the devil continues to test. Nails in the center foreshadow Jesus’ death on the cross.
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” I depicted this story within the structure of a stained glass window. Where in our religious structures do we find temptation winning the day? Where do our selfish actions fall on this temptation continuum? May we see the abundance before us, dispelling the desire for more.
Pray Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image above again. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God. |
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